Handle With Care by Patrice Wilton

a box too long. His lips were warm and moist, gentle but firm, and instead of pulling back, she lingered, running her tongue over his bottom lip until he opened and let her slip in. His breath was peppermint sweet from the mints he’d had after dinner. Her tongue shyly met his and lit a fire inside her, a burning need that she’d ignored but didn’t want to ignore anymore.
    She missed her husband, missed being held in a man’s arms, being kissed, being loved. Far too long. Her hands clasped behind his neck, and she couldn’t let go.
    “Lauren,” he murmured between kisses. “We should stop this. Now.”
    “Okay.” She pulled him closer. “Just one more; then never again.”
    He softened the kiss and then broke it off altogether. Instantly, she missed his lips, the warmth of him.
    She kept her eyes closed and steadied herself. Drew in a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. She knew how to be strong. Life had taught her that.
    When she felt back in control, when that melting sensation had dissipated, she opened her eyes and sat back. “Thank you.” She kept her voice cool, rational. “That was nice.” Her heart thudded, but she didn’t want him to feel her excitement or to know how much that kiss had meant. Kissing him could be highly addictive, and of course she would want a lot more than that. Foolish girl! What had she been thinking? That she could play with fire and not get burned? She’d wanted it regardless of the consequences. A memory of that kiss could warm her bed at night for a very long time.
    “Nice?” His eyes narrowed. “It was better than that.”
    She laughed. “Okay, better than nice, but now we’ve done it and can put it out of our minds.” She picked up his book. “So? You ready? Let’s get to work.”

    The study session was a joke. Shane’s entire focus was on the tantalizing woman sitting next to him. When he leaned forward to peer at the book, his nostrils picked up her scent. He couldn’t identify it but loved the smell. It was her special scent, and he’d recognize it anywhere.
    She licked her lips a few times, probably because he’d worn her lipstick off and kissed her mouth dry. And now, watching her, he felt his own mouth go dry.
    “I need some water,” he said in a voice he barely recognized. “How about you?”
    “No. I’m fine.”
    He grabbed a bottle from the fridge, poured a glassful, and took a long slug. “You sure you want to do this tonight?”
    “Do what? Oh … tutor you. Of course I do. I’m happy I can help.”
    He wanted to throttle her. I’m happy I can help! Jeez. Give a guy a fuckin’ break. That kiss had been good. Damn good. It had definitely gotten a rise out of him, and she behaved like it was nothing.
    Well, two could play this game. He stretched and yawned. “I can hardly keep my eyes open. Guess a day at the Aquarium with an active six-year-old can do that to a man.”
    “I guess so.” She smiled and stood up. “Well, we’ll do this another time. Just remember, I owe you one.”
    “I expect you to pay up, too,” he said with just the right amount of nonchalance. He gathered his books. “So, I guess I’ll be seeing you around.”
    “You know where to find me.” She walked him to the door. “Good night, Shane. Thanks for everything.”
    “Anytime, sweetheart. You want a kiss, you’ve come to the right man. Yep, I’m a real kissing champ.” Two could play this game. If she wanted to act casual, well so could he. Nice, my ass. That kiss had been hot, dammit. Smokin’ hot.
    She raised her eyebrows but said nothing, just closed the door behind him.
    Shane whistled all the way to his car, then stopped the second he got in. What the hell had happened tonight? He felt like he’d just been had. One minute she was sucking the oxygen from his lungs; the next, she’d been all business. Kiss over. Had she not enjoyed it as much as he had? Maybe he was badly out of practice.
    Naw. She’d gotten into it big time. The worst thing was,